Chapter 40. The Surprise

On Monday morning, Nathan came downstairs with a skip in his step. He saw the way his mother was looking at him, and knew she had noticed.

He couldn't stop thinking about Julia, cuddled into his side last night, as they watched the magnificent color show in the sky. Once again, it had been as if God was showing off, just for them. She fit so perfectly next to him, and it felt so wonderful to hold her, that he sat there wondering if life could possibly get any better. In that moment, he had felt so very happy, something he had once thought would never be possible.

Allie had come home from the ride with a new confidence and a certain contentment, that he knew something good must have happened. And, he was quite sure it must have to do with Julia.

Julia hadn't stop smiling when she came back, either. She had been so excited to tell him about the strides she had made on horseback. His mother had smiled and nodded at him, passing the message that Julia had done well. He knew his mother had a certain standard when it came to riding, and didn't allow room for timidity, slacking off, or complaining. So, if he got the nod, that meant something. Julia had earned his mother's respect.

After breakfast, Rebecca walked Allie to school. When she came back, she sat with Nathan in the living room. His mother was no-nonsense about serious, important things. So, when she pulled out a little blue velvet bag from her pocket and plopped it down on the coffee table, he knew she had something to say.

Nathan put his book down and asked, "what's that, Mother?"

"Open it and see." Rebecca responded. He was pretty sure he knew already. A long time ago, his mother had mentioned that she had preciously guarded a very valuable family heirloom for him, to use one day when he was ready. A beautiful ring, that had been his grandmother's.

He slowly opened the bag and let the ring tumble out into the palm of his hand. It sparkled so beautifully and his breath caught. His mother had been right, it was beautiful. It had a brilliant gold band, and a rather large diamond set in the middle of an intricate antique design.

"Mom, I don't think either of us are ready for this." Nathan looked from the ring to her.

"I know, Son. I just wanted you to have it, for whenever you are ready. You two are so obviously in love with each other. I saw it the moment I stepped off the stagecoach." She told him.

"When you stepped off the stagecoach?" Nathan asked, looking from his mother down at the ring. He had a hard time taking his eyes off of it, actually. After the happiness he had felt holding Julia last night, he was pretty sure he had dreamt of the future nearly all night long. So, the idea that this ring would one day be part of an exchange that would mark their future, made him feel…very happy.

"Yes. Son, I knew the first time I saw you look at her." Nathan looked back up at his mother, knowing he couldn't keep anything from her. If she had seen, he couldn't deny it. "Have you told her how you feel?"

"No. We've said that we care about one another, and that we could't bear to lose each other." Nathan said.

"But, you haven't told her that you are in love with her?" His mother asked him.

"No." Nathan said simply. "Mom, we haven't even had our first date. I had asked her to dinner just before I left for that last mission, when I got hurt. And, she accepted. But, then my injury kind of put a kink in my plans." He paused, remembering, "I actually spent most of that mission thinking through and putting together my plan for a romantic evening together. And, we were supposed to go as soon as I got back. I just didn't count on coming back in such a state."

"Well, what if Allie and I were to help you execute your plan, for a date? Nathan, you shouldn't let the injury stop you anymore. You are getting better everyday, and you two deserve to move forward in your relationship. You obviously mean a lot to one another." Rebecca told him.

"Honestly, Mom, I have been thinking a lot about setting up a date for us. Dreaming about it, actually. You would be willing to help?" Nathan asked.

"Nathan, I adore Julia. And, I see how happy she makes you. I would do just about anything to help you, when it comes to your happiness. You say the word." His mother paused and looked down at her hands for a minute. Then continued, explaining more, "You should have seen her yesterday, with Allie. She took off her shoes and stockings and they played in the stream together. I kept thinking to myself that it was exactly like something Colleen would have done. Julia and Allie were like two old friends, though I was picturing what could be. I couldn't hear what they were saying to each other, but I saw them make some kind of a promise to each other, where they hooked their pinkies together." Rebecca shared with him.

Nathan took in all that, wishing he could have seen the two of them himself. He had realized more than once that Julia and Allie had a special relationship, which touched his heart very much. "Mom, I think that means they are bosom buddies. It's something from the book that Julia gave Allie, for her birthday."

Rebecca nodded, and looked at him, with tears in her eyes. "Julia is just what Allie needs, what you need, Nathan. I couldn't have imagined anyone better, for a possible daughter-in-law."

"Mom, don't get ahead of us. We decided to take it one day at a time. And, I have to do this right. Not just for me, but for Allie as well." He said, remembering the hurt he had seen Allie endure when he had been wrong about Elizabeth. "Julia and I need to solidify our relationship before discussing marriage. I want to take our time, and enjoy each step of the journey."

"I know you are just being your meticulous, careful self. But, don't wait too long. And, please…tell her how you feel." She encouraged him.

"Okay. Thanks, Mom, for this." He said, carefully placing the ring back in the velvet bag. He looked up at her, and said, "And, if you are serious about helping me, I will take you up on it. And, I would really like it to be a complete surprise."

Nathan went on to tell her his plan, and Rebecca was delighted to help. She went to the kitchen, took out a paper and a pencil, and made a list, as he spoke. She would go to the mercantile just after lunch, and get everything they would need. They continued discussing different parts of the plan, and when everything was in order, Nathan couldn't hide his excitement.

Julia took a short break from the infirmary to go see George, William's father, at the Saloon. He had kept her tab, during the Founder's Day dance, and she had promised to come by and pay on Monday.

As she walked there, she thought of only one thing. Sitting on the porch at Nathan's last night, wrapped in the warmth of his strong chest, and watching the amazing sunset, together. She had wanted to stay just like that, for as long as possible. But, the colors faded little by little, and when dusk hung heavy, Nathan had suggested she walk home before it got too dark. It had been hard to leave, to depart the strength and warmth of his embrace, and to walk alone back to town. The feelings and emotions that were so real and weighty between them, seemed almost at a crescendo now. She was certain they would both need to express their feelings soon, to get them out in the open. She had become aware that she needed to tell him how completely she had fallen in love with him.

When Julia entered the Saloon, she didn't find George behind the bar, but Lucas. She looked around but he was her only choice, much to her dismay. She decided to bite the bullet, and just pay her bill as quickly as possible.

Lucas looked up as she came closer, and said, "Good morning, Miss Matthews. What can I do for you?"

"Good morning, Lucas. I came by to settle my bill. George kept a tab running for me on Saturday night." Julia explained.

Lucas stepped over behind the bar, near where the reservation book had been kept, the day she had made reservations for Jake's visit. As he thumbed through some papers, Julia couldn't help but say something.

"I really appreciate him being willing to keep the tab for me." Julia smiled shyly at Lucas.

"Well, it's hard to say no to a beautiful, determined woman." Lucas said simply, smiling kindly at her. She wasn't sure what he was trying to say, but figured he was referring to Elizabeth. And, nonetheless she felt the need to excuse herself for her behavior at the festival.

"Mr. Bouchard, I would like to excuse myself for the way I behaved at the Founder's Day festival. I'm sorry if I upset you in any way, during my conversation with Elizabeth." Julia stated, simply putting it all out there. "I feel terrible about the way I talked to her. And, I am not one to leave my wrongs without resolution."

Lucas found the note George had made, but set it down on the counter for a moment. "Miss Matthews, if I can be frank with you, I think those things needed to be said. Elizabeth and I have both felt horrible about the way things played out for Nathan and Allie. And, sadly, everything you said was true. We both know it." Lucas paused a moment, looking down at the counter and then back up at her. "Elizabeth is a stubborn woman, but your words sank in. I'm hoping with time, she will decide to make it right, at least with Allie."

Lucas kept going then, though she wasn't ready for what came next, "However, I am of the opinion that everything worked out just as it should have. Miss Matthews, none of us have ever seen Nathan like that before."

Julia was confused, "Like what?"

"Well, like he was on Saturday night." Lucas stated simply.

"What are you trying to say, Mr. Bouchard?" Julia asked, narrowing her eyes at him.

"Nathan has always been quiet, reserved. A man of few words. It was refreshing to see him come out of his shell." Lucas said.

"Well, I find it a pity that no one ever took the time to get to know him, to let him be himself." Julia answered back.

"Maybe there are some who could have tried harder, Miss Matthews. But, I don't think that would have been enough. I think it's you that made the difference. He was never like this with any of us, even Elizabeth. Maybe none of us have ever seen the real Nathan before. And, It was you who cracked open his shell and gave him permission to come out and be who he is. You brought him out for all of us." Lucas stated, smiling shyly at her.

Julia didn't know what to say to that. His words had taken her by complete surprise.

"I would like to think that Nathan and I might even have been casual friends had it not been for Elizabeth in the middle." Lucas said, frowning sadly at her.

Julia tried to imagine what Nathan and Lucas could possibly have in common, that would lend them to have even a casual friendship. She couldn't think of anything, but that was not for her to decide.

"Mr. Bouchard, thank you for your honesty in sharing this with me. As for Nathan, an apology goes a long way. Perhaps you should start there." Julia stated.

Lucas nodded at her, sadly. She finally looked down at the note George had made for her. She opened her purse and took out the appropriate amount, and laid it on the counter. She made sure to include a little extra, for George.

"Mr. Bouchard, will you please pass my gratuity and my thanks to George?" she asked.

"Yes, Miss Matthews. I can do that for you. Thank you for coming by." Lucas stated.

"Of course, Mr. Bouchard. It's normal to settle our debts in a timely manner." Julia stated, seeming to imply a message, that Lucas seemed to get. He nodded again at her.

"Good day, Mr. Bouchard." Julia said, with a sad smile.

"Good day, Miss Matthews." He responded, as she turned and left the Saloon.

Once outside, Julia decided to stop next at the mercantile. She had made a list of everything she and Allie would need to complete the painting for her Father's day surprise. The photo Allie had secretly passed her was just beautiful and a very good sample from which to make a painting. It would be just perfect, and she was sure Nathan would love it.

Ned ordered everything on the list, and the last item was set to arrive on Wednesday morning. So, she and Allie could start working this week.

After her stops in town, the day had gone by very slow. Julia had been happy to have a restful lunch in her apartment, after she and Faith had worked on reorganizing some of the materials and medications in the supply cabinet. Later on in the afternoon, as Julia was sitting at the desk reading, Rebecca came into the infirmary.

Julia stood quickly in alarm as Rebecca walked over to her desk, but realized by her casual demeanor that there was no emergency.

"Good afternoon, Julia." Rebecca smiled at her. "I am playing postman today. I have a delivery for you, from Nathan." She said as she handed Julia an envelope.

Julia looked very surprised and curious, at the same time. "Rebecca, what's this?" she asked.

"I'm not at liberty to say. I'm just the postman, remember?" Rebecca said with a wink at Julia.

Julia looked back and forth from the envelope to Rebecca, and then smiled. "Ok. Well, then...thank you, Rebecca." she finally mustered.

Rebecca turned and walked back towards the exit door. "Good day, Julia." She said as she turned the knob.

"Bye, Rebecca." Julia said very timidly, as she left.

Julia sat back down at her desk and stared at the envelope. Her name was so beautifully written across the front of it. She realized this was the first note she had ever gotten from Nathan. In fact, she had never even seen Nathan's handwriting before. As she slowly opened the envelope and unfolded its contents, she smiled. His penmanship was impeccable, meticulous and beautiful. She was sure he wrote often, and obviously enjoyed writing with pen and paper.

Jules,

I'm sorry for any inconvenience, but I have an important phone call scheduled today at 4 p.m., for which I will go to the Coulter's house. For my house call, could you please come at 6:30 p.m. instead? And, please come hungry.

Yours always,

Nathan

Julia sat back in her chair and stared at the note. First, she loved the way Nathan wrote her name. The J in Jules was the most beautiful J she had ever seen. She took a deep breath and re-read the note again. And she wondered, what did he mean by come hungry? What was he planning? She suddenly became very nervous. Julia stood and looked out the window, but Rebecca was no where to be found.

Now, it was going to be an excruciatingly long afternoon. Julia was nervous and excited to see what Nathan had up his sleeve. The anticipation was going to make the minutes tick by so slowly. A few minutes later, when Faith came back in from a call out at the sawmill, Julia was happy for a distraction from her many speculations.

At 6:30 p.m. sharp, Julia knocked on Nathan's door, holding her medical bag. When he opened the door dressed in nice brown trousers, a blue shirt, and a brown vest, Julia was very happy that she had chosen to dress up a little. She had figured out that he had planned some sort of surprise. It was the phrase please come hungry that had tipped her off. So, she had changed from her nurse's apron, skirt and shirt, into a pretty lavender dress with dark purple and crisp white accents. She had styled her hair and refreshed her cosmetics and perfume. When he saw her, a huge smile came over his face, and she couldn't stop smiling either. Julia thought him so very dashing in blue. The shirt he wore made the blue of his eyes even more intense.

He took her in, not quite sure whether to be disappointed that she had figured out he was up to something, or to be happy that she had. She had dressed up a little, and looked so beautiful. He was suddenly extremely nervous. When his tongue finally came back to him, he spoke. "Jules, you look very beautiful. Please, come in." He said with a smile, and put out his hand for her.

She smiled timidly as she took his hand, and he led her inside. The curtains were pulled slightly and a few candles had been lit, in just the right places around the room. It was if he had strategically calculated where to put them to throw light in exactly the right way. And those very few candles made the room seem so…romantic.

Julia saw in one corner that one of the side tables had been moved to hold the Coulter's phonograph. She recognized it from the few times she had been inside their house. Nathan's couch had been pushed back a little bit. And, the table had been shifted a little bit towards the back door, and was beautifully set. There was an enormous bouquet of daisies in the middle, with two candles on either side. There was a bottle of wine on the table, and the napkins had been folded into a very pretty design. She wished she had a camera to take a photo, so that she could remember everything. But, she made a mental note of each and every detail, sure that he had put a lot of thought into each element present.

Nathan kept her hand in his, as he led her farther into the room. A wonderful smell suddenly lofted over to her, from the kitchen. Julia smiled, unable to take her eyes off of him. He finally spoke again, "Jules, welcome to our first date." As he said it, he softly kissed the back of her hand, and her insides turned to mush.

Nathan led her to the table, and pulled the chair out for her. She sat, and he gently scooted her in, taking care to place the napkin across her lap, just as a fancy waiter would do. He lit the candles on the table and removed the flowers, so they could actually see each other. And then, he delicately poured the wine.

"Nathan, the table looks so beautiful." Julia stated.

"I had a little help, but the plan was all mine. Just in case you are wondering." He said.

"You are a romantic at heart, I see." She stated, smiling at him.

"Well, when it comes to you, I am indeed." He said, as he went to the kitchen to get something.

Nathan came back with two plates. He sat one plate in front of each of them, and sat down across from her. Each plate held a lovely salad with a few toasts spread with an olive tapenade.

From across the table, Nathan extended his hands out to her, and she placed her hands in each of his. He said a little blessing, and then picked up his wine glass. Julia picked her glass up, too. Nathan looked into her eyes, and said, "to you and me."

"To you and me," Julia repeated as they clinked their glasses together. They both took a little sip, and set the wine glasses back on the table.

They both picked up their silverware and started to eat the first course. The salad had some toasted nuts sprinkled on top and a lovely vinaigrette.

"These are all your recipes, Nathan?" Julia asked with raised eyebrows.

"Not exactly. They were all my ideas, things I noticed you seemed to like in the café. Though, I did have help with the execution. I really didn't lie when I said I can't cook. Trust me, it's better that my mom helped me with the recipes." He said with a cute smile. She couldn't help but be pleased that he had remembered and taken note of things she had enjoyed. She had liked a similar salad when they had eaten at the café with Jake.

"Where are your mother and Allie?" Julia asked.

"They went for a grandmother-granddaughter dinner at the café. Allie was very excited about it." Nathan explained.

When they were done with that plate, Nathan collected both of them and took them into the kitchen. He came back with the next course.

The second course was a lovely sliced chicken breast with a beautiful brown sauce, mashed potatoes, and a bundle of long green beans tied together. Nathan stated, "Jules, my mom didn't think fried chicken was fancy enough for a first date. So, I will make it for you next time. Tonight, I wanted to share one of my favorites with you. But only because you once asked me what my favorite was, do you remember?" He paused and she nodded, smiling. "Well, this is in my top five. It's chicken with a mushroom and wine sauce."

"Like a marsala sauce?" She asked.

"Exactly. I noticed that you like chicken and also mushrooms." Nathan replied. "So, I hope you like this."

"I actually love marsala sauce. Great choice, Nathan. I can't wait to see what other surprises you have in store for me." She said, smiling flirtatiously at him. As she said that, Nathan felt his heart rate quicken and his temperature rise. He was suddenly nervous, especially about how he intended to end their evening together. He planned to share his heart with her.

Julia loved every bite of the second course. The sauce was amazing. "Everything is so lovely, Nathan," she complimented.

"Jules, I want you to realize how much you mean to me." He stated, simply. He had more to say, but wanted to wait until she was in his arms.

His confession made Julia blush, and he noticed. She swallowed hard and took a drink of wine. "You are making me blush, Lawman."

"I can see that." He smiled at her, happy to see he could have that kind of effect on her. It gave him confidence for everything else he wanted to say. "I'm glad you are enjoying everything, Jules."

When the second course was finished, Nathan cleared the dishes and came back over and sat down. "Are you ready for dessert, Jules, or shall we have a little pause?"

"A little pause would be nice, Nathan." She replied. "But, what shall we do during the pause?" She asked coyly as she looked over at the Victrola that Nathan had so thoughtfully set up.

Nathan gave her his most charming smile, then stood and went over to the Victrola. He got it working, and when the music started, he came and stood in front of her. He extended his hand, and asked, "Would you like to dance with me, Miss Matthews?" She felt the butterflies clean to her toes as she put her hand in his and stood.

He pulled her in close and put his arm strong around her back. Then, just as he had before at the Founder's Day dance, he wrapped her hand in his. And he laid their intertwined hands gently on his chest. They tenderly gazed at each other, lost in the music, enjoying the closeness.

The music stopped, and he slowly stepped back to change the song and get it going again. Then, he came back over and wrapped her up in his closeness again. She gazed up at him, and he leaned in close. He spun her around one time, and she gave a soft giggle as she came back around into his embrace. They went around a few more times and he spun her again.

As they swayed together, Nathan couldn't take his eyes off of her. She looked so beautiful in the candlelight, and he felt like the luckiest guy on earth. He didn't want to wait any longer. He longed to tell her how completely and how deeply he had fallen in love with her.

Nathan was just about to open his mouth and share his heart, when a frantic knock suddenly sounded at the door. They both froze and looked at the door. The knock came again, louder this time, and they heard Lee's voice calling out from the other side of the door.

"Nathan, Julia, we need your help, please. There's been an accident."

Nathan moved quickly to the door, and opened to Lee, who came barreling in. There was blood on his shirt and on his hands, and Julia went into action.

"Lee, what happened? Who's been in an accident?" Julia asked, calmly, already assessing the situation.

"It's Little Jack, can you please come? We were babysitting, and he's hurt." Lee said, frantic.

Nathan and Julia didn't waste a second. Julia grabbed her medical bag and they followed him out the front door. When they walked into the Coulter's house, Julia noticed the blood right away. Rosemary was holding Little Jack and trying to calm him, but he was distraught and crying hysterically. Julia walked right over and gently took Little Jack from Rosemary, smiling and reassuring her.

Julia said very calmly and evenly, "Rosemary, give me a few minutes with him. Take a deep breath, you've been amazing. And, don't worry, I will take good care of him." Julia walked away toward the kitchen, gently bouncing Little Jack. She began to sing a gentle lullaby. And, she let him cry on her, holding him close, until he was calm. Once he was quiet, she looked down and saw the head wound. He would require some stitches.

Julia walked over near Nathan, who was watching everything. "Nathan, could you grab my medical bag, and come sit near me, please?" She whispered as she went over and sat on the couch. She laid Little Jack on the couch, so that his head was perfectly cradled in her lap. She kept singing quietly. Nathan sat next to her, and opened her medical bag. When Little Jack saw Nathan, he put his little hand out. He was obviously excited to see Nathan.

Nathan leaned down close and said to him, "Hey, buddy. Lay still for Nurse Julia, ok? She's going to take good care of you."

"Ok, Nay'an," Little Jack said. He didn't move his head, but smiled up at Nathan.

Nathan looked back up at Julia, who was smiling at him. "I'm going to need your help, Nathan. The calmer he is, the better."

Nathan nodded, and looked back down at Little Jack. With his experience in first aid, Nathan could predict what she would need. So first, he handed her a cotton soaked with the antiseptic. She put both of Jack's hands in Nathan's, so he could hold them for her. Then she gently cleaned the wound, blowing gently so it wouldn't burn. When the wound was clean, she looked over at Rosemary, who was watching from just behind them.

"Rosemary, do you have any ice?" Julia asked. "To numb the wound?"

Rosemary brought over a few cubes, wrapped in a tea towel, and Julia let them rest a good eight to ten minutes on the wound. All the while, Julia continued to sing the quiet lullaby, one that her Dad used to sing to her. She looked up at Nathan and realized he was gazing at her.

Julia whispered to Nathan, "I should have a suture kit in the small inside pocket." He reached inside and found it, and threaded the needle properly for her. Once it was ready, she removed the ice, cleaned the wound one more time with antiseptic, and got to work. Nathan kept ahold of his little hands as she worked, and he only flinched a few times.

"You are the bravest little boy I have ever met, Little Jack. Did you know that?" Julia told him as she continued to work.

"No, you never wold me before." He answered her back, so cute and matter of fact. Julia smiled at how adorable he was. She looked up at Nathan who was watching so intently.

"Isn't he the bravest little boy you've ever met, Nathan?" Julia asked Nathan.

"The very bravest." Nathan answered quietly.

"You tink I'm bwave, Nay'an?" Little Jack asked.

"Very brave." Nathan answered.

"Bwave like a Mouwnie?" Little Jack asked him.

"Like the bravest Mountie." Nathan answered him.

When Julia was done, she tied off the last stitch, and then cut the string. She applied the antiseptic again, gently blowing as she did so. Next she applied an ointment, and a small bandage.

As he laid there, Julia did a short examination to see if he had any sign of concussion. She covered his eyes and watched his pupils in the lamplight that Lee had brought closer, before she started to stitch. Little Jack seemed just fine other than the head wound.

"Would you like to sit up now, Little Jack?" Julia asked. He did, but he stayed cuddled up on Julia. His eyes looked heavy, so she stood and began to pace with him, in the dark of the kitchen. She sang the lullaby through a few more times, and he was soon fast asleep.

Julia continued to hold him, to make sure he was fully asleep. A few short minutes later, the front door opened and Elizabeth rushed in. She gasped when she saw the blood on Rosemary's dress, but looked over and saw how calmly and quietly Little Jack was sleeping in Julia's arms. Rosemary intercepted and talked quietly to Elizabeth, explaining everything. He had fallen and hit his head on the wooden wine crate from the Saloon, the one that held his wooden toys. They had known Julia was at Nathan's because he had borrowed their Victrola. Julia and Nathan came immediately to help, when Lee told them that Little Jack was hurt.

Rosemary explained, "Elizabeth, Julia was incredible. Little Jack was frantic and hysterical and she calmed him down within minutes. And, for the stitches, he laid his head so bravely in her lap, like a little angel. We've never seen a little boy be so brave. Afterwards, he wouldn't go to anyone else but Julia, and she put him right to sleep." Rosemary explained. Elizabeth nodded gratefully, and walked silently over to Julia.

Julia put out her hand to Elizabeth, and led her over to the couch. When Elizabeth was seated, Julia laid Little Jack gently in her lap. Julia explained everything very quietly to Elizabeth. She showed her the bandage and lifted it a little to show her the stitches.

Julia noticed Elizabeth's bottom lip start to quiver, so she reassured her. "He'll be perfectly fine, Elizabeth. Don't worry. He's a very tough and very brave little boy." Julia paused, and then continued, "It's only a minor head wound. I have to inform you that a concussion is always a risk with any blow to the head. So, keep an eye on his pupils. If you notice that they don't dilate properly, or one is bigger than the other, bring him in to the infirmary immediately. Ok?"

Elizabeth nodded. Julia continued, "I know this might be challenging for such an active little boy, but he needs to avoid hitting his head again, for a little while. Just do the best you can, on this one. Try to avoid anything active that might put him at risk for another injury to the head, at least for a week or two." Another nod.

"Elizabeth, can you bring him by the infirmary on Thursday, please? I would like to have a quick look at his stitches, in three days time, to make sure everything is healing properly." Julia stated.

Elizabeth nodded again, but the news seemed to be catching up with her. She started to cry softly, and she quietly said, "I can't believe I wasn't there for him. How could this happen?"

Julia looked kindly at her, and responded very gently, "Accidents happen, Elizabeth. Don't feel guilty. You can't be with him every second, no parent can. Accidents are part of growing up and being a kid. And, you certainly can't bubble wrap him, no matter how much you'd like to. And, I can imagine you'd want to." Julia paused and looked at her reassuringly, "But, Rosemary and Lee were fantastic, they took great care of him until I got here. And, we treated the wound very quickly. He will be just fine. And, he'll have a cute little scar in his hairline, though it will be barely noticeable in a few years."

Elizabeth wiped her eyes, and looked at her gratefully. "Thank you, Julia."

Elizabeth noticed Julia's dress then, stained terribly with blood. "Your dress," she said simply.

Julia looked down and realized how much blood was on her dress. "Elizabeth, it's perfectly normal, don't be alarmed. Head wounds bleed a lot." Julia reassured her.

"No, I mean your dress… it's ruined." Elizabeth stated, with a sorry look on her face.

"Oh, this old thing. Don't worry about it for a minute. It's just a dress." Julia stated, smiling kindly at Elizabeth, "And, I'm pretty handy with a washboard. It's not lost yet." Rosemary looked over at Lee. She had seen that dress in the dress shop. She knew it wasn't old at all, but from the new collection that Clara had just brought in from Buxton. Rosemary hoped Julia could save it, but if not, she would see to it that it was replaced.

Elizabeth nodded, and looked down at her sleeping little boy. "I better get him home to bed. Do you think I should let him sleep with me?"

Julia replied, "That's a great idea, Elizabeth. I was actually going to suggest it. That way you can keep an eye on him. And, the closeness of sleeping in the same bed might be exactly what mommy and her little boy need tonight."

Elizabeth nodded, and picked him up as she stood. Julia helped lay his head gently on Elizabeth's shoulder so she could walk next door, to her home.

Elizabeth looked one more time at Julia, and with tears in her eyes, said, "Thank you, Julia." Then, Elizabeth looked over at Nathan and said, "Thank you, Nathan."

"Your welcome, Elizabeth. See you on Thursday." Julia replied. And, Nathan gave Elizabeth a gentle nod.

"I'll walk home with you, Elizabeth." Rosemary said, and they went out the door, the two of them.

As soon as the door closed, Nathan approached Julia and said, "Jules, you are…"

Lee chimed in, from right behind Nathan, "exceptional, remarkable...but even those don't seem enough."

"I was going to say incredible." Nathan said with his intense gaze, tucking a loose strand of hair gently behind her ear.

Julia laughed softly, looked down at herself and said, "Wow, I really am a mess."

Nathan silently took her hand and an oil lamp, and led her into the kitchen near the water basin. He took a tea towel and dunked it just a little in the water, and started to gently clean her up. Nathan slowly and ever so gently wiped the blood off of her face. Julia watched his every move, as he worked on her so intently. She wondered how any woman had ever said no to him. He, himself, was so incredible.

He was suddenly aware that she was watching him as he worked, looking very serious. So, he stopped what he was doing and quietly asked, "what?"

Julia whispered, "You really adored him didn't you?", referring to Little Jack.

He looked down at the tea towel in his hands, and pursed his lips together. He didn't want to answer but had made the decision to always be honest with her. So, he quietly told the truth, "Yes." He realized as he looked up, that she had tears in her eyes. He asked quietly, "Jules, what's wrong?"

"You would have made a very nice family." Julia whispered.

Nathan didn't want her to think that way, so he told her bluntly. "But, she didn't want me." Then, he paused, and cupped her cheek tenderly in his hand. He looked deeply into her eyes and said, "Julia, she wasn't the one for me."

Julia nodded slowly and said, "Part of me is sad that she said no, because I can imagine all the pain and disappointment you and Allie went through. And, I'm so sorry that she broke your heart, both of you." She paused and took a breath, "But, the other part of me is glad that she said no, because you probably would have been a happily married family by the time I got here. Is that wrong of me, to feel that way?…To want to thank her?"

Nathan smiled, touched by her confession. He said softly, "For a long time, I asked myself why, and dealt with a lot of what if's. But, then I met you. That whole first month you were in Hope Valley, I felt exactly the same way, half of me sad and half of me glad." He paused, and then said, his voice confident and even, "But, for a long time now, I haven't even looked back. Not even once. I only look forward, to the future, to our future. The one where you and I are a family, with Allie, and we are…happy." Nathan smiled at her, and then slowly went back to wiping more blood off of her neck and her chest. He was standing so close to her, looking so intently at what he was doing. And, between his closeness and his beautiful words, her insides were all a mess.

Nathan noticed a tear had escaped and rolled slowly down her cheek. He looked back up at her and gently wiped it.

"You are the one who is incredible." Julia said quietly. Nathan was quite certain that he had caught her looking at his lips. He smiled at her and got a nervous look on his face.

"What is it, Lawman?" She asked.

Nathan gave a light chuckle and said, "I'm hearing Colleen in my head right now. Not one of her quotes, but what she would say to me in this moment."

"You can imagine what Colleen would say to you right now, if she were here?" Julia completely understood.

"Exactly." Nathan responded.

"And what would she say to you, Nathan?" Julia inquired.

Nathan looked down at the tea towel still in his hand, and then back up at her. "She would say, "Kiss her, you fool."

Julia's eyes were once again drawn to his lips, and she couldn't look away. She just simply asked, "so, why don't you?"

He smiled then, realizing that sounded a whole lot like permission. As Nathan gently placed his right palm back onto her cheek, to cup her face, she leaned into his touch. And that sent his heart racing. He started to lean down and she seemed to tip her head up, and just as their lips were nearly there, they heard the front door open.

Rosemary came back in the house, calling out to them, "Lee? Julia? Nathan?" They could hear her heeled shoes headed right over to the kitchen, where they had been hidden by the stairs. They instinctively pulled back from each other and Rosemary realized when she saw them, that she had just interrupted something.

Rosemary looked sorry about that, but asked, "Where's Lee?"

"I'm here" Lee called out, as he came down the stairs. Nathan and Julia hadn't even realized he had gone upstairs.

They looked at each other, both with a shy smile. In fact, Nathan couldn't contain his smile. He was disappointed they hadn't kissed, but he was happy he had been given permission. He knew it wouldn't be long now, and he couldn't wait.

Julia bit her bottom lip in an effort to conceal the giddy smile she, herself, was trying to contain. Nathan saw her though, biting her bottom lip, and thought it absolutely adorable.

"Well, that was an eventful evening." Rosemary said.

Nathan smiled and almost laughed at the humor of it, as he said, "yes, eventful indeed."

Julia snorted to cover a laugh that involuntarily escaped, at Nathan's little joke that was only between them.

"Am I missing something here?" Rosemary asked.

"I think we are, Rosemary, I think we are." Lee surmised.

Rosemary shook her head and said, "Well, if you two lovebirds are done, I'd like to be serious now." Nathan and Julia got themselves together and nodded, listening.

Rosemary did just that, she got completely serious. She looked Julia square in the eye, and said, "Julia, honestly. I don't know what to say. You were simply amazing, with both Little Jack and Elizabeth. And, when she deserved absolutely zero grace from you, you gave her plenty. I'm almost speechless. Julia, you are…exceptional."

Lee added, "That was exactly the word I used, Rosie."

"Well, Lee Coulter, you do have impeccable taste." She said leaning over and giving him a cute little kiss on the cheek.

Nathan and Julia looked at each other and smiled.

Rosemary looked back over at Julia and Nathan, and said, earnestly, "Thank you for everything. Both of you. We are all grateful."

Julia smiled back and said, "I was just doing my job, Rosemary."

"No, Julia, you went above and beyond. And we are all grateful for it." Lee interjected.

Julia finally said, "You are all welcome."

Lee looked at the clock and said, "It's late now, Julia, can I drive you home?"

Julia looked at Nathan, suddenly saddened because they hadn't really finished their date. But, before she could say anything, Nathan nodded and said, "That's a great idea, Lee."

"Nathan, since you are already here, why don't you help me see her home? Then I can drop you off at your house on the way back." Lee suggested.

Julia smiled at the idea, and said, "That sounds great, Lee. I'll get my stuff together." She went to the living room and packed up all her things.

When she was ready, they went out to the car. There was a huge flash of lightening, followed by a loud crash of thunder. And, it was starting to drizzle. She didn't have a jacket or umbrella, but Nathan put his arm around her and helped her to the car. When they got to the corner near her apartment, Lee stopped the car. Nathan got out and opened the car door for her, and helped her out. It was raining much harder now.

Nathan kept her hand and Julia realized he intended to walk her to the door. But, she calculated how long it would take him to get there and back, in the pounding rain.

"Nathan, it's raining too hard now. Let me just say good bye to you here. You don't need to walk me." She said very quietly.

He looked disappointed, but knew she was right, as hard as it was raining now. She stood up on tiptoes and kissed him quickly on the cheek, and disappeared behind the infirmary building.

He touched his face where her lips had been and smiled, as he slowly sat back down in the car.

"It's really coming down now." Lee said, as he put the car in gear and drove them back home.

"It sure is." Nathan said, still smiling. He was almost soaked through in that short time, though he didn't seem to mind.

"It's funny the effect they can have on us, right? When it's the right woman?" Lee said as he smiled and looked over at Nathan.

Nathan wholeheartedly agreed. "You can say that again."

"Julia's really something, Nathan. I'm really happy for you." Lee encouraged him.

"Yes, she is. I don't know what I did to deserve her, but I hope I never stop doing it." Nathan said, to his friend.

"Now you know how I've felt, since the day I met Rosie." Lee chuckled.

They pulled up in front of Nathan's house.

"Thanks for everything, Nathan. I'm sorry we interrupted your date." Lee said, with a flat grin.

"Don't worry, there will be plenty more dates, if I have anything to say about it." Nathan smiled, opened the door, and nearly skipped up his front steps.